02-23-2005, 10:33 PM
Quote:</em></strong><hr>the Latin word for a battlecry is 'barritus' <hr>Actually, that's not clear at all.<br>
Some say is was derived from Latin 'barrire', a word used to describe the trumpeting of elephants.<br>
<br>
Others say it was derived from the Germanic word for shields, 'bardi'. The 'barditus' could then resemble the barbarian <em>Schildgesang</em> (shield song) in which shields were used to amplify the sound.<br>
Proof is lacking either way, but since is seems to have been a wordless sound, I think it can be ruled out as a worded battle cry.<br>
Almost all mention of the barritus date to the 4th century, and the practise is considered as proof of barbarization of the Roman army. However, it quickly became a normal practise for the whole Roman army.<br>
<br>
Ammianus mentions it twice, once referring to it as 'called barritus by the barbarians' (<em>quam gentilitate appellant barritus</em>). Oddly enough, even when the Romans use the barritus, the opposing Goth use irregular shouting (<em>clamores incondites</em>) for their war cry.<br>
<br>
Vegetius mentioned that the barritus be raised when both lines engaged each other (calling it cowardly to use it from a distance), but surprisingly Maurikios warned against it, for it could cause panic and resulting chaos.<br>
<p>Valete,<br>
Valerius/Robert<br>
[url=http://www.fectio.org.uk/" target="top]fectienses seniores[/url]</p><i></i>
Some say is was derived from Latin 'barrire', a word used to describe the trumpeting of elephants.<br>
<br>
Others say it was derived from the Germanic word for shields, 'bardi'. The 'barditus' could then resemble the barbarian <em>Schildgesang</em> (shield song) in which shields were used to amplify the sound.<br>
Proof is lacking either way, but since is seems to have been a wordless sound, I think it can be ruled out as a worded battle cry.<br>
Almost all mention of the barritus date to the 4th century, and the practise is considered as proof of barbarization of the Roman army. However, it quickly became a normal practise for the whole Roman army.<br>
<br>
Ammianus mentions it twice, once referring to it as 'called barritus by the barbarians' (<em>quam gentilitate appellant barritus</em>). Oddly enough, even when the Romans use the barritus, the opposing Goth use irregular shouting (<em>clamores incondites</em>) for their war cry.<br>
<br>
Vegetius mentioned that the barritus be raised when both lines engaged each other (calling it cowardly to use it from a distance), but surprisingly Maurikios warned against it, for it could cause panic and resulting chaos.<br>
<p>Valete,<br>
Valerius/Robert<br>
[url=http://www.fectio.org.uk/" target="top]fectienses seniores[/url]</p><i></i>
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
